Kratom, synthetic mitragynines and hemp‑THC beverages draw heated testimony; families and public‑health officials press for bans or tight controls

An extended session at the March 10 Economic Affairs Interim Committee focused on intoxicating products: kratom (natural leaf and synthetic derivatives such as 7‑OH compounds) and hemp‑derived THC beverages.

Steven Crawford, narcotics bureau chief at the Department of Justice, told lawmakers forensic data show mitragynine (the primary kratom alkaloid) has appeared in multiple autopsies and increasing DUI cases; the crime lab has detected mitragynine and, more recently, began testing for synthetic 7‑OH variants. Crawford described commercial‑style packaging sold in convenience stores and vape shops and warned many products are not what they claim to be.

Public‑health witnesses and clinicians urged caution and stricter controls. Confluence Public Health Alliance and Montana Legal Services Association representatives called for age limits, point‑of‑sale restrictions and clearer enforcement; several relatives of people who died after kratom exposure urged bans and stronger regulation, saying testing and interaction data remain inadequate.

Industry witnesses and advocacy groups representing hemp‑THC beverage manufacturers argued regulated adult‑channel approaches can reduce illicit markets and provide consumer protections. Diana Eberline (Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives) described models in other states where low‑dose products (commonly 3–10 mg per serving) sell through ABC‑style regulatory channels with testing, labeling, and age verification; she said heavy taxation and restrictive dispensary‑only distribution have driven illicit markets in some states.

The public record included emotional testimony from family members who attributed deaths to kratom or kratom‑drug interactions; researchers and lab representatives stressed the need for clinical trials and stronger product testing. Representatives of industry groups signaled they intend to pursue legislation to create a statewide regulatory framework; some counties have already taken local action.

What happens next: Committee members signaled desire for Montana‑specific legislative language and requested staff work on draft options. Several lawmakers asked for a committee bill that could include restrictions on synthetic mitragynines, marketing and point‑of‑sale rules, and asked DOJ and public‑health staff to contribute model language and data for a May interim meeting.